Course Descriptions
HIMP 1050: MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR HEALTH INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS (3 credits)
This course develops understanding of the clinical knowledge base through the study of the structure and function of the human body and the language of medicine to enhance professional communication in the healthcare environment. Word parts, pathology and common procedures and tests are studied for each body system. Computerized review of healthcare terminology is available to all students.
HIMP 1150: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (4 credits)
Hands-on practical application of standard office software occurs in a laboratory setting and on your personal computer. Theoretical information on the role of computerized systems in health and health information, such as system analysis, privacy, and security are also covered. The computerized patient record and other clinical uses of computers in healthcare are experienced through simulated software programs. The knowledge gained in this course continues to be expanded and applied in further HIMP courses.
HIMP 1260: HEALTH RECORD AS AN INFORMATION TOOL (4 credits)
Concepts about the content of health information to promote ethical and legal communication are covered. Release of information to healthcare professionals, third-party payers and the legal system are discussed and applied. Data security and privacy, and the implications of HIPAA are emphasized. Use of computer and access to pertinent websites is emphasized.
HIMP 1360: HEALTH DOCUMENT CONTENT AND STRUCTURE (4 credits)
This course introduces the generic components of the content, use and structure of healthcare data and data systems and explores how these components relate to primary and secondary record systems. You will discover how these systems fit into the overall context of the healthcare delivery system. Use of a computerized patient record is focused on in this course, including computerized assignments and simulations of health record management procedures.
HIMP 1450: PHARMACOLOGY AND CLINICAL LABORATORY (2 credits)
This course is an introduction to basic drug terminology, drug classes and uses of drugs. Drugs frequently prescribed for common diseases are reviewed. Electronic references are used. You will also be introduced to the clinical laboratory, its various departments and tests performed to diagnose common diseases.
HIMP 1560: CPT CODING (3 credits)
This course includes the fundamentals of the CPT coding system and national laws and guidelines for reimbursement and coding. Quality assurance of coding is emphasized. Prerequisites: HIMP 1050 or BIOL 2400.
HIMP 1850: ICD CODING (4 credits)
This course includes the fundamentals of the ICD classification system and national laws and guidelines for reimbursement and coding. Computer techniques using encoders are applied. Emphasis on quality assurance in coding with ICD. Prerequisites: HIMP 1050 or BIOL 2400.
HIMP 2050: HEALTHCARE STATISTICS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE (4 credits)
This course emphasizes the effective use, collection, arrangement, presentation and verification of healthcare data. Emphasis is on the fundamental concepts of descriptive statistics and data validity and reliability. Basic healthcare statistics and formulas are practiced using spreadsheets. Graphing and presentation of healthcare data are done using appropriate software tools. Healthcare data information sources are identified and accessed using online knowledge-based databases. Collection and use of data for quality assurance/performance improvement monitoring are practiced. Healthcare quality improvement techniques for both clinical and administrative purposes are discussed and applied. Prerequisites: HIMP 1150, 1360.
HIMP 2150: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE APPLICATION (1 credits)
The professional practice application course provides experiential learning opportunities designed to allow you to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class. They take place in a variety of settings and are supervised by either a St. Kate’s faculty member or a professional practice supervisor and are scheduled for 40 hours during daytime hours. Prerequisites: All HIMP 1000-level courses.
HIMP 2250: ADVANCED CODING (2 credits)
You are introduced to higher level coding situations and advances in procedures and therapies in ICD and CPT. Electronic applications are used. This course is designed for experienced coders or as an adjunct to the new coder with less experience. Prerequisites: HIMP 1560, 1850.
HIMP 2350: ORGANIZATION AND SUPERVISION (4 credits)
This course introduces the principles of organization and supervision in order to develop effective skills in leadership, motivation and team-building techniques. Use of appropriate software is emphasized. Prerequisites: All HIMP 1000-level courses.
HIMP 2650: CAPSTONE: TOPICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE APPLICATION OF HEALTH RECORD MANAGEMENT (1 credits)
Capstone incorporates final comprehensive objective testing of knowledge of the current Domains, Subdomains and Tasks of the American Health Information Management Association. Another component of the class is a 40-hour professional practice experience. Professional practice consists of experiential learning opportunities designed so you can apply the knowledge and skills learned in class. The intention of the capstone professional practice is to allow you to experience the overall responsibilities of the health information specialist in an acute care facility supervised by either a St. Kate’s faculty member or a professional practice supervisor. The professional practice is scheduled during daytime hours. Prerequisites: All HIMP 1000 level courses. Prerequisites with concurrency: All HIMP 2000 level courses.
HIMP 2750: REIMBURSEMENT SYSTEMS (4 credits)
This course focuses on reimbursement systems in the healthcare industry, including prospective payment systems such as DRGs, APCs and RBRVs and commercial insurance and managed care. Completing healthcare claims using accurate information on claim forms is practiced. Billing procedures, role of the chargemaster and regulatory guidelines for reimbursement are covered. Current trends in healthcare reimbursement and the impact of computerization of health information are discussed. Includes computerized exercises in DRG assignment and claim forms.
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